You’ve scratched your ticket or you’ve checked those winning numbers and you’ve discovered you have a winning ticket!

Before you do anything else, sign the back of the ticket. In fact, it’s a good idea to sign every ticket you buy, even before you know if it’s a winner. A ticket is a bearer instrument. By signing it, you protect yourself. Never hand an unsigned ticket to another person, unless you are okay with that person claiming a possible prize.

online subscriptions claims

If you won a prize in Mega Millions or Powerball with an online subscription, click herefor more information on how to claim your prize

a new way to get paid!

The Virginia Lottery is pleased to offer two convenient ways to claim your winnings at our customer service centers and prize zones. You can now choose a check or a Visa debit card for prizes from $10 to $5,000. Keep in mind the Visa debit cards cannot be reloaded with new funds

prize is $600 or less

If the prize is $600 or less, Virginia Lottery retailers may cash it. Keep in mind that many retailers don't keep large amounts of cash available, for security reasons. Retailers can, however, pay you with a check or money order. If you prefer, you can take it to a Virginia Lottery customer service center, one of the prize zones or claim your prize through the mail. We'll gladly issue you a check or a Visa debit card for your winnings. The only difference is that you'll need to provide a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of your social security number if the prize amount is greater than $100.

prize is more than $600

If your prize is more than $600, you can take it to a Virginia Lottery customer service center or one of the prize zones. To the right is a list of addresses and phone numbers. Be sure to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and your social security card or other proof of your social security number. Double check your photo ID and Social Security card to ensure your name is exactly the same on both documents as they need to match exactly to claim your winnings. When you get there, you'll fill out a claim form or click here to get the form now. If you have questions about what you need to claim, call 804-692-7000.

Not a U.S citizen but you reside in the U.S.? No problem. Just bring your green card (permanent resident card), a government-issued photo ID (a Visa will work) and an official document displaying your Social Security number. Not a U.S. resident? We've got you covered as well. We'll just need to see a valid photo ID.

You can also claim your prize through the mail. Sign your ticket and mail it to: Virginia Lottery Claims, P. O. Box 1254, Richmond, VA, 23218-1254. Be sure to complete the requested information on the back of the ticket so the Lottery knows where to send the check or Visa debit card. If the prize is more than $600, you'll need to supply a copy of both your government-issued photo ID and your Social Security card. If the prize amount is $600 or less, just include your social security number. It's a good idea to make copies of the front and back of the ticket, and use registered mail to make sure your ticket arrives safely.

don't wait too long

Drawing tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Print 'n Play games expire 180 days after the purchase date. Scratcher tickets expire 180 days after the end of the game. These Scratcher games are currently active or recently ended. If you don't see that game listed there, that ticket may have expired which means you may be out of luck.

lottery prizes are taxable

If you win more than $600 it will be reported to federal and state tax agencies. If you win more than $5,000, taxes will be withheld automatically. Currently, the Lottery is required to withhold 24% for federal taxes and 4% for state taxes. If you win a large prize, it’s a good idea to talk to a tax professional soon after your win to discuss how it will affect your tax situation.

If you owe delinquent debts for things like back taxes or unpaid child support, it will be automatically withheld from prizes greater than $100 claimed at a Lottery office.

Don’t forget that if you win a Virginia Lottery prize, it’s not a secret. All prizes greater than $600 are public record. If you win a large prize, your name and photo might be posted on the Virginia Lottery website and possibly reported in news media. This proves that real people really win Virginia Lottery games. If you never heard about anyone winning the Lottery, would you play? That’s why Virginia law makes sure the Lottery doesn’t award prizes in secret. We're game for showing Virginians that real people do win the lottery often!

acceptable government-Issued photo IDs

Motor Vehicle Operator's License

Photo Identification Card issued by a local, state or federal government agency or entity

Craft or Trade License issued by local or state government

Armed Forces Identification

U. S. Passport or Passport Card

acceptable SSN documentation

Social Security card issued by the Social Security Administration (Neither a copy of the card nor a metal/plastic reproduction is acceptable for in office visits.)

Medicare card containing the claimant's name and full social security number followed by the letter "A"

W2-G issued by the Virginia Lottery within the past 6 months

W2 issued for the prior tax year with full social security number

Federal or State income tax return filed for the prior tax year

Verification letter from the bank on bank letterhead displaying claimant's name and social security number (Letter cannot be older than 30 days.)